Whether you are a patient or visitor at West Hills Hospital & Medical center, we want your experience with us to be as pleasant as possible. We have provided helpful information to help you during your stay or while visiting a patient in the hospital.

A risk factor increases your chances of developing cancer. Modifying the following risk factors may help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Stop Smoking

A significant number of cases of
pancreatic cancer
may be associated with smoking. If you are a smoker, you should do everything within your power to stop. You are risking pancreatic cancer, as well as other serious diseases. Contact your doctor to see if you can use a
nicotine replacement
, such as nicotine patch or gum. Other options include
hypnotherapy
or
group support
.

Stop Drinking

Alcohol consumption may lead to pancreatic cancer. If you
drink regularly
, you should try to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink, preferably stopping all together. Contact you doctor and consider joining a support group, like AA.

Lose Weight

Being overweight or
obese
not only increases your risk of pancreatic cancer but may also reduce your chance of survival if you are ever diagnosed with this condition. .

Prevent Diabetes

It is well known that your chance of developing pancreatic cancer is increased if you have
diabetes
. If you have a family history of diabetes or have other risk factors, such as being overweight, you should get regular blood sugar testing to see if you have
prediabetes
. To prevent the condition from developing, you should control you weight with proper diet and exercise. Your doctor might consider using an antidiabetes drug if other options fail.

Avoid Exposure to Pancreatic Cancer-causing Chemicals

You have a higher-than-normal risk of developing pancreatic cancer if you work in the petroleum and dry-cleaning industries, or if your job entails the use of pesticides and dyes. If you must work in these industries, research how to best protect yourself from exposure to chemicals. Check with the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
or the
Environmental Protection Agency
about protective guidelines.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.